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Frequently-asked questions (FAQ’s) about University of Missouri’s new payment options
What will change? Why were these changes made? How much is the service charge? How did the University arrive at the 2.75% amount? Why eliminate Visa-branded cards? Are other colleges and universities making similar changes? What should I do if all I have is a Visa card? Why can't I use a credit card at the Cashier’s window? Can I use my Visa elsewhere on campus? How can I avoid paying this fee? Who can I talk to about these changes? What will change?
During early to mid Spring Semester of 2006:    University of Missouri Cashier’s offices will no longer accept Visa-branded credit cards for payments to the student account. If you choose to make payments on the student account using MasterCard or Discover cards, the third-party vendor will add a service charge of 2.75% to the transaction. To avoid the service charge, students and parents are able to make payments directly from any checking or savings account by using the new web payment option (Electronic Funds Transfer), simply by entering the bank/financial institution routing and account number information at the time of online payment. Credit card payments will only be accepted via the Internet. Some campuses, based on space, computer, and network availability, will provide computer workstations near the Cashiers Office at which payments can be made via the Internet. For those choosing to use this method of payment, the convenience charge will still apply.
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Why were these changes made?
While credit card payments offer a convenient way for students and parents to make payments on the student account, the cost to the University for providing this convenience has grown to more than $2,000,000 annually. In our current budget situation, the University must examine all the charges we pay. Therefore, the University has decided to require those who use this convenience to cover its cost.
How much is the service charge?
2.75% of the amount charged will be added to each payment on the student account made by credit card.
How did the University arrive at the 2.75% amount?
This amount was set by our third-party vendor.
Why eliminate Visa-branded cards?
Unlike MasterCard and Discover, Visa will not allow a service charge that varies with the amount of the transaction (a percentage-based fee). The University was unable to negotiate an acceptable method of assessing an appropriate service charge for Visa payments on the student account.
Are other colleges and universities making similar changes?
Many colleges and universities have already made similar changes to their credit card payment policies. The University of Missouri has attempted over the past year to negotiate changes in its arrangements with its credit card providers to avoid having to make these policy changes. However, those negotiations have been unsuccessful.
What should I do if all I have is a Visa card?
Other payment options we offer include:    Cash Check E-check
Why can't I use a credit card at the Cashier’s window?
Credit card rules say that service charges must be charged for all payment types for a given payment location. If we allowed credit card payments at the cashier's window, then we would also have to add the service charge to check and cash transactions. Therefore, we had to move all credit card payment processing to a third-party credit card processor. Some campuses (based on available resources) will establish computer workstations near the Cashier's office for use by students who choose to make an on-line bill payment with a MasterCard or Discover card.
Can I use my Visa elsewhere on campus?
These changes only apply to payments on the student account. Other payments are not affected by this policy.
How can I avoid paying this fee?
The University of Missouri offers an installment plan. You can find more information about this at: http://campus.umr.edu/cashier/. You may also want to investigate financial aid options available to you by contacting your campus Office of Student Financial Assistance Paying for your education by credit card can become very expensive. The University of Missouri wants to help students use credit wisely. For more information on this important topic, go to: (insert new link here).
Who can I talk to about these changes?
Questions may be directed to the Cashier’s office of each campus:  Columbia o Phone: (573) 882-3097 o E-mail: umccashiers4cash@missouri.edu o Mailing address: 15 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 Kansas o o o Rolla o o o City Phone: (816) 235-1365 E-mail: cashiers@umkc.edu Mailing address: 100 Administrative Ctr., 5100 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 Phone: (573) 341-4195 E-mail: cashier@umr.edu Mailing address: G-4 Parker Hall, Rolla, MO 65409-1160
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St. Louis o Phone (314) 516-5151 o E-mail: umslcash@umsl.edu o Mailing address: Mailing address: 285 Millennium Student Ctr., One University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121-4400